🇩🇰 Du finder den danske version af denne artikel her.

When F.C. Copenhagen face Silkeborg IF in Parken on September 21, the team will take to the pitch in special edition shirts. For one night only, the club and its main partner Unibet have handed over the front of the jersey to the Red Cross.

The match is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health in Denmark and encouraging everyone to ask a simple but powerful question: How are you really doing?

Lars Gade Nielsen, General Manager at Unibet (FDJ United), explains:

“Far too many people feel left out. According to the latest figures, one in five young Danes between the ages of 16 and 26 feel lonely. It’s a serious development that calls for both attention and action. We want to contribute to this important conversation, which is why the Red Cross logo will appear on the shirts for this match instead of Unibet’s.”

Mental health is also a central part of daily life within F.C. Copenhagen’s squad.

Captain Thomas Delaney emphasizes the importance of players being able to be open with one another:

“We have a strong group where we can be open and honest with each other. It’s absolutely crucial that we feel good in order to perform – even in a high-pressure environment. Psychological safety means you can give of yourself – both when things are going well and when they’re difficult,” Delaney says.

He adds:

“Football can be a tough and uncompromising elite environment, but in reality, it’s about having the right people around you who take responsibility for one another. And that requires that we constantly communicate and remember to ask: How are you really doing?”

“We have a large platform and an enormous reach. We need to use it to make a difference – not only on the pitch but also in society. It compels us to focus on the tougher aspects of life, and mental wellbeing is essential for all of us,” says F.C. Copenhagen’s CEO, Jacob Lauesen.

At the Red Cross, demand for support for Danes facing difficult life circumstances has risen significantly.

Secretary General Anders Ladekarl welcomes the partnership:

“We know that a sense of belonging is crucial for our wellbeing. Yet far too many people in Denmark lack a community they can be part of. That is why our work at the Red Cross focuses on creating relationships and presence that strengthen and bring joy. We are therefore extremely grateful for and proud of the collaboration with F.C. Copenhagen and Unibet, as we know that the effort and visibility will have a real impact.”

After the final whistle, the specially designed jerseys will be auctioned, with all proceeds going directly to the Red Cross’s work promoting mental wellbeing and preventing loneliness.

Culture, business & inspiration — straight from Copenhagen to your inbox. Join over 55,500 subscribers! We send out updates once a week.